The Colossi of Memnon was originally built as Amenhotep III's memorial temple, but the reason it is so popular is because of the two gigantic statues that guard the outside. Probably due to an earthquake, they are now all that remain- but they are certainly reason enough to visit the site- at 23 meters high and one thousand tons each. Their names have changed throughout the years. Ancient Egyptians called the statues “Ruler of Rulers” while later travelers called them “Shammy” and “Tammy”- perhaps a bad translation of the Arabic words for right and left. Today they are known locally as "el-Colossat", or "es-Salamat". Made out of carved blocks of quartzite, the statues each depict Amenhotep III, one with his mother and the other with his wife and daughter.

Written by  Mary Kate Alfieri.

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